ADVISORY: Under Secretary of the Treasury Lael Brainard to Discuss U.S.-China Economic Relationship, Challenges, and Opportunities

Washington, D.C. — On Wednesday, July 18, the Center for American Progress will host a keynote address by Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs Lael Brainard to be followed by a discussion of the challenges and opportunities posed by the U.S.-China economic relationship.

President Barack Obama’s announcement to “rebalance to Asia” reflects an effort by the United States to better focus its foreign policy on one of the most important regions to America’s economic future. With half of the world’s population, the most dynamic economies, and a key source of U.S. jobs, the Asia-Pacific region represents a tremendous economic opportunity for the United States. China is at the heart of this opportunity but also poses a variety of new challenges for the U.S. economy.

The Obama administration’s recent decisions to file complaints against China in the World Trade Organization for auto tariffs, rare earths, and solar panels all reflect the complex and at times difficult nature of the U.S.-China economic relationship. How the United States and China manage these points of tension and pursue areas of mutual interest will have important effects on the economic future of both nations.

Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner leads the economic track of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, and Under Secretary Brainard plays a critical role in shaping administration efforts to promote U.S. economic interests in the relationship. Under Secretary Brainard’s extensive experience working on monetary issues with China—including her role in the Clinton administration, handling the Asian financial crisis, and China’s access to the World Trade Organization—make her one of the most appropriate individuals to address this complex relationship.

WHO:

Introduction and moderator: John Podesta, Chair, Center for American Progress

Keynote speaker:Lael Brainard, Under Secretary for International Affairs, U.S. Department of the Treasury